Charlotte Lepage: Bachelor of Journalism

I chose journalism because I realized I’d never make it as a scientist. I studied natural science in CEGEP with the plan of becoming a forensic biochemist but had to drop the program because my heart wasn’t in it.  

I tried a media class and enjoyed it, so I decided to apply to Carleton’s journalism program on a whim, which ended up being the best decision I’ve made. Before the journalism program, you couldn’t pay me to call my dentist and book an appointment, but now I’ve had conversations with community leaders, scientists, artists, politicians, and so many interesting, passionate people. It threw me out of my comfort zone and changed me for the better. I learned to stop being afraid of the phone or talking to strangers and I learned to write effectively, to use sounds and images to craft a rich, compelling story.  

Most importantly, I learned that journalists have a duty to the public, founded in the unending commitment to truth, and I learned to act with special care and intention when covering communities hurt and underserved by the media.  

My professors were all so invested in my success, whether they were harsh but truthful or soft and encouraging in their advice, I always felt like they just wanted me to be the best journalist I could be.  

The program has opened so many doors for me; I’m now sitting in Toronto, working at the CBC headquarters, learning from industry veterans, and covering all sorts of fascinating topics. I don’t have any concrete plans for the future—I will go wherever my passions take me— but I know that a goal I’ll always have is to make Carleton proud.